Ethernet to WiFi adaptor for an old Panasonic TV ?

Box Brownie

Box Brownie

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Hi all

We have a 2009 Panasonic Plasma Freeview TV that is working well and I added into the mix over the years a Firestick and a PVR with it's own tuner that has the HD channels on too.

Now, various Freeview channel updates add 'data' Channels i.e. those that require the TV to be connected to the internet. The TV has an Ethernet port which I understand 'should'(?) allow for such data channels to function.

However, the availability of "Ethernet to WiFi adaptors" seems to be only a newer kid on the block called 'Bosstrend'.....nothing by TP-Link or other big brands :thinking:

I would prefer not to use PowerLink connectors but happy to plug in an aforementioned adaptor as needed.

Has anyone else faced this issue of choice and what did you buy and are you happy with it?

TIA :)
 
There's lots of options from different brands and it depends on exactly what you're wanting and also what your main router is. The closest to what you want from TP-Link is probably this one:


I have one although still sealed since I haven't needed it yet as I use an Eero mesh system at home and the wired devices are plugged into that. I previously used a Netgear bridge which was worthless but the wireless bridge on the Eeros is perfect, depending on the model of your router it may support some sort of mesh system where you can buy a node with an ethernet port on it.
 
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Musicman said:
The device you’re looking for is called an Ethernet-WiFi bridge: it creates a ‘bridge’ between two physical network segments as parts of one network.

Here is one that is made by TP Link, which does a bunch of other things as well, but it’s cheap enough.

Click to expand...

Ah! thanks for the clarity and suggestion :)
JohnMcL7 said:
There's lots of options from different brands and it depends on exactly what you're wanting and also what your main router is. The closest to what you want from TP-Link is probably this one:


I have one although still sealed since I haven't needed it yet as I use an Eero mesh system at home and the wired devices are plugged into that. I previously used a Netgear bridge which was worthless but the wireless bridge on the Eeros is perfect, depending on the model of your router it may support some sort of mesh system where you can buy a node with an ethernet port on it.
Click to expand...
This one looks interesting in that it is powered from a USB power brick giving the advantage of placing the unit optimally(?) for the signal strength :thinking:

I am not looking to using a Mesh system as the WiFi is fine all around the house for the portable devices. At this time it just the TV that 'needs'(?) the connectivity mentioned :)

NB Though neither model have external aerials!
Musicman said:
P.S. there are question marks around TP Link’s security practices, especially their routers (which a bridge is not)

www.cnet.com

TP-Link Routers Could Soon Be Banned. Here's What Cybersecurity Experts Say About the Risk

The company has been under investigation by the US government over the past year for alleged ties to Chinese cyberattacks.
www.cnet.com www.cnet.com

But I’m not sure there are many other options from brands I recognise
Click to expand...
My router is not a TP-Link and I keep it as secure as I can.....it is a BT Business Hub 5

I do have a TP-Link USB Wifi dongle for my desktop when I wish to isolate the PC from risk of lightening strikes.

Thanks both for the replies and insights :)

Edit ~ though I just cottoned on that the one @JohnMcL7 suggested is actually a router not only an extender/bridge.
 
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I quite like this design with the AC power 'passthrough'

www.tp-link.com

AC1200 Wi-Fi Range Extender with AC Passthrough

The RE360 AC1200 WiFi Range Extender with AC Passthrough connects delivers speeds of up to 300Mbps on 2.4GHz and 867Mbps on 5GHz, for fast, stable Wi-Fi in every room.
www.tp-link.com www.tp-link.com
 
I have ordered this one and a 5M white CAT5e cable

www.tp-link.com

300Mbps Wi-Fi Range Extender with AC Passthrough

The TL-WA860RE wall-mounted is designed to conveniently extend the coverage and improve the signal strength of your wireless network.
www.tp-link.com www.tp-link.com

Amazon had the best price......

If it works as I hope/anticipate then that opens up the Freeview TV to more channels including some international news ones :)
 
Update........

Well installing the WA860RE had its issues that were both concerning and bemusing....suffice to say it installed OK but with a foible or two, and now provides a welcome speed boost downstairs for WiFi connected devices. NB not that the router coverage was a slouch to start with but the Extender connected devices just seem a little snappier browsing the websites. NB this only on the 2.4Ghz band.

However, even though the Ethernet connection on the Panasonic TV connects to the network and apparently could(?) access the Internet, the TV on the Freeview Data channels still says 'connect the TV to the internet'. So, either its purpose is purely for the likes of software updating but not for streaming or I have missed something but I have no idea what......as I checked the Ethernet connection with my Dell UltraBook and the connection is 100% solid.

I think I will use the Panasonic Help Chat tomorrow to learn what is and isn't possible with our model the TX-P42G10B (NB bought in 2009)
 
Box Brownie said:
I think I will use the Panasonic Help Chat tomorrow to learn what is and isn't possible with our model the TX-P42G10B (NB bought in 2009)
Click to expand...
Tempted to say, good luck with that, but instead, it would be interesting to hear how you get on!
 
ChrisR said:
Tempted to say, good luck with that, but instead, it would be interesting to hear how you get on!
Click to expand...
As they no longer make plasma TVs it will be interesting if they can even answer about this old a model. Some older discussions I found suggested that this model has in effect a crippled Ethernet interface/functionality compared to model released not that long afterwards :thinking:
 
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